What Is Blockchain?

A blockchain is a shared, tamper-resistant digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so no single party controls the data.

Definition

A blockchain is a distributed digital ledger that records transactions in linked blocks across a network of computers. Each block is cryptographically connected to the previous one, making the history very hard to alter.

Because copies of the ledger are held by many participants, there is no single point of control or failure. This decentralisation is what allows cryptocurrencies to operate without a central bank or administrator.

New transactions are validated by network participants through a consensus mechanism such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, then permanently added to the chain.

Beyond cryptocurrency, blockchain technology underpins smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs, and supply-chain tracking. Its core strengths are transparency, security, and resistance to tampering.

Track it in WalletLens

WalletLens is a free, private net-worth tracker that puts concepts like this into practice — it tracks your crypto, stocks, gold and cash in one dashboard, computing cost basis, P&L and allocation automatically with live prices. No account, and your data stays on your device.

Open the free tracker →

Related terms

Free net worth tracker · Blog · About · Home

WalletLens